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Monkey Puzzle Retreat

Belford, near Bamburgh, Northumberland
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Luxury
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
10 more

At a glance

  • Experience the countryside from this peaceful single-storey cottage
  • Make the most of the social open-plan living areas
  • Find peace in the woodland garden with towering trees and a soothing pond

Property code: OC-NB677

Set in the heart of the historic rural village of Belford, this peaceful bungalow makes an ideal holiday hideaway for couples seeking a relaxing base for exploring the beautiful countryside of North Northumberland. Offering fresh accommodation for up to two guests, the cottage has been tastefully furnished and decorated in light, soothing shades, and features a charming woodland garden for you to unwind in. Within easy reach of the breathtaking coast, this cheery getaway is ideal for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers discovering the region’s beautiful beaches, historic sites and deep woodlands.

Stepping into this characterful cottage, the spacious, light and airy open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner has stylish flooring and offers a relaxing space to unwind. The lounge has comfortable seating, perfect for snuggling up to watch a film. Meanwhile, the sweet dining area is ideal for romantic meals that you can rustle up in the stylish kitchen, accessed via a step up. Exploring this charming retreat further, you will find a refreshing bathroom and a lovely double bedroom with plenty of storage space and views of the garden. French doors lead out from both the lounge and the bedroom onto the patio which has plenty of outdoor furniture, perfect for dining alfresco and sitting back in the evening to take in the views. The large woodland garden surrounds the property, with mature trees, colourful plants and a small, tranquil pond.

Belford has a choice of great places to eat and drink and makes a great base for exploring the Northumberland coast. Birdwatchers can head to Budle Bay (4 miles), while history buffs can explore Bamburgh Castle (6 miles). Also nearby are the Annstead Dunes Nature Reserve, Beadnell Bay Beach, The Alnwick Garden, St Cuthbert’s Cave and Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, all within 15 miles.

  • 1 double bedroom
  • 1 bathroom with shower over bath (with a fitted handrail) and WC
  • Oven, hob microwave, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine
  • Utility cupboard with washing machine and freezer
  • Welcome pack
  • TV with Freeview
  • Woodland garden with unfenced pond and garden furniture
  • Private parking
  • Pub and shop 200 metres, beach 4 miles
  • Please note, dogs are not allowed on the sofas or in the bedroom
  • Please note - 2 dogs welcome at no additional charge
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Linzi Brown

This property is personally managed by Linzi.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 37 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 stars4.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 stars4.6

Reviewed by Martin 19th May 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The cottage is lovely and warm, very well equipped and the garden is wildlife friendly. Great location for exploring the local area from Berwick on Tweed to Alnwick and the East coast beaches. A trip to the Farne Islands is essential, especially from May to the end of July

Reviewed by Rachel 27th April 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Nice location, comfortable accommodation. Nice welcome pack from owner.

Reviewed by Theresa 30th March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Tony 16th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The Monkey Puzzle Retreat is a really well appointed cottage, warm and cosy (it was winter for us) with a lovely welcome package of chocolate biscuits, bacon, bread and milk, along withe plenty of the staples of the kitchen - tea and real coffee and all the cooking utensils you need. Belford is a quiet little village but has a very good deli and caRead morefe, Sunnyhills, at the end of the village. And Northumberland is a magnificent county! Hide

Reviewed by Tracey 27th February 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Andrea 4th January 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The cottage was stunning, really comfortable and everything was of a high standard. Charlie the host was really welcoming and a lovely guy. Thank you for a great week walking.

Reviewed by Steven 29th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Barbara 25th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The owner has thought of everything. He was there in person both to show me around when I arrived, and to say goodbye when I was leaving. The welcome pack is almost a weeks groceries. The place has all the comforts of home, I would go back in a heartbeat. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ann 28th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a fab week long holiday at Monkey Puzzle Retreat. The bungalow was extremely well equipped and the welcome pack/treats were over and above what you would expect. Charlie ensured that we had everything we needed and Belford is a fantastic location to use as a base for exploring Northumbria.

Reviewed by Kirsty 13th September 2025

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

The owner Charlie was very friendly and helpful. The welcome pack wow was a full English breakfast and cereals, crisps etc.so thoughtful. The bungalow was lovely plenty of room. The reason I have downgraded the star rating was the lounge furniture, very uncomfortable being a very low bed settee couldn't sit on it so low and hard, needs a proper soRead morefa in there. The kitchen was full of equipment and utensils like home from home. Overall a good stay, personally wouldn't go back due to the lack of reasonable furniture in my opinion. Perfect for exploring Northumberland. Hide

Reviewed by Stephen 24th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Super hideaway in Belford. Excellent base for exploring the area including Baburgh, Lindisfarne Island, Farne Islands, Alnwick

Reviewed by Brian 17th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely bungalow in a quiet part of the village, easy to relax. Charlie is a wonderful host, he makes sure you have what you need and is only next door if required, but leaves you alone to enjoy your stay. Our first visit to Northumberland, it definitely won't be our last. Loved every minute of our stay. Thanks Charlie.

Reviewed by Clive 21st July 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Spacious well equipped cottage in quiet location. Charlie a friendly host. Excellent welcome pack.

Reviewed by Ian 16th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Monkey Puzzle Tree cottage was a great location and comfortable base for our 2 week holiday. We were able to easily travel to the many wonderful castles, Holy Island and coastal walks, and would particularly recommend walking via the golf courses at Budle Bay and Goswick Beach to find unspoilt sandy beaches with few folk around. Great for us and tRead morehe dog! The accommodation was like home from home with a comfortable bed and easy chairs, a good range of TV channels and a very well equipped kitchen. The wrap around garden was also peaceful and private for enjoying an evening drink after being out all day. Charlie was a most helpful host and on hand to answer any questions. We also appreciated the welcome pack, carefully adapted for our vegetarian ways. Thank you! Hide

Reviewed by Pat 29th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cottage immaculately clean

Reviewed by Tracy 23rd June 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The cottage position was ideal as we wanted to explore that part of the Country. The welcome pack was amazing. The owner Charlie was very informative. The garden would have been ideal for a dog to explore.

Reviewed by David 15th June 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Douglas 8th June 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

You will not be disappointed. Its everything you hoped for and more. Host very welcoming and informative. Superbly located to places of interest, amongst such friendly people. Lovely woodland garden.

Reviewed by Peter 1st June 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Terry 25th May 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Plenty to do and see in the area. We loved the garden.

Reviewed by Joanne 21st April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Karen 12th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Cottage well looked after, bed and bedding lovely, shower had plenty hot water and the sofas were comfy especially after a long day out. Found Charlie to be most attentive and kind man. Will definitely go back again .

Reviewed by Rosemary. 11th April 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Really enjoyed our stay here. Cottage had everything we needed. The welcome pack was wonderful. Charlie our host was cheerful, helpful and discreet.

Reviewed by Anne 6th April 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Great welcome pack and very well equipped kitchen. Our host, Charles, was extremely helpful and friendly. The bungalow was ideal for ourselves and our dog. Belford proved to be ideally situated for travel across the region. We had a lovely time!

Reviewed by Glenys 30th March 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Charlie is a great host from arrival he made us feel welcome. The bungalow is exceptionally well equipped and spotless. Lots of storage space for unpacking. The welcome pack is very generous and Charlie contacted us prior to arrival to see if we were meat eaters. The garden is undergoing work but is large and will be lovely when completed. We wereRead more lucky with the weather during our stay so were out exploring most days. Belford is a small village with numerous places to get food/drink. We explored Bamburgh and Seahouses we also went over to Scotland during our stay. This is a perfect base from which to go further afield. We really enjoyed our stay and as its dog friendly so did our little dog. Hide

Reviewed by David 14th December 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

A lovely bungalow that is well equipped and comfortable. It's surroundings don't do the bungalow justice as inside it's very welcoming, especially the welcome pack of food.

Reviewed by Helen 9th November 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The cottage was very well equipped and clean. The host was very nice and kindly provided us with all the basics for breakfasts and snacks.

Reviewed by Vanessa 1st November 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Warm and comfortable, well equipped and perfect placed for exploring the Northumberland coast and castles.

Reviewed by Christine 8th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A very warm welcome on arrival by Charlie. Excellent welcome pack. A true home from home. Ideally placed for exploring Northumberland

Reviewed by Andrew 20th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We were unable to stay the full week as our dog took ill but the property was clean fantastically appointed and Charlie was a fantastic host. The welcome pack he provided fantastic as well. Cottage and Gardens lovely Central for all tourist attractions would recommend it

Reviewed by Susan 11th August 2024

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

A lovely bungalow just needs a few tweaks . The welcome pack was amazing and very much appreciated. Lots of cereal and chocolate biscuits to choose from as well as tea and coffee. A comfortable base for a week in Northumberland.

Reviewed by Steven 24th July 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely cottage,unbelievable welcome pack,very welcoming owner and a great cottage

Reviewed by Dorothy 13th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Very nice cottage lovely interior and good facilities Charlie the owner was friendly and informative about the area and gave a generous welcome pack not many holiday cottages do that ,we stopped at one place and we received nothing .

Reviewed by Beverley 6th July 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Well tucked away in a quiet location. A lovely touch with the breakfast goodies, bread, milk, teas, coffees and selection of chocolate biscuits. The property was spacious with everything you could want for a lovely comfortable stay. A lovely garden too to enjoy sitting out if the weather allows. Charlie the owner was there to greet us and gave Read moreus a quick tour of the property with things we may need to know then left us to enjoy our weeks holiday. Hide

Reviewed by Susan 30th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We had a good time and enjoyed the cottage

Reviewed by Wendy 22nd June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Comfortable, well equipped, in a quiet location, conveniently situated for days out, shop and pubs within walking distance, bus services, walks from the doorstep. We would definitely return.

Reviewed by Andrew 15th June 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely accommodation inside and out. Charlie gave us a warm welcome and was knowledgeable about the local area. The welcome pack was extremely generous and a great bonus. Our first visit to Northumberland did not disappoint and this is the ideal location for exploring. Wed definitely stay here again and would thoroughly recommend.

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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Cottages in Northumberland is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.